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Lawmakers protect K-12 education, universal preschool, and core health care services while making difficult cuts to balance the budget < Back May 8, 2026 SIGNED! FY 2026-2027 Budget DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state budget ( HB26-1410 ). This bipartisan budget protects K-12 education and core health care services while making reductions across state departments, lowering the state’s reserve, and reducing Medicaid spending to close a $1.2 billion deficit. “Our bipartisan budget protects K-12 education, health care, and universal preschool while making responsible reductions,” said JBC Chair Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “It is impossible to close a $1.2 billion budget deficit without making cuts to important programs, but TABOR requires trade-offs, a one dollar for one program or service is a dollar less for another. Despite difficult circumstances, we were successful in protecting the core services that Coloradans rely on.” “This year’s budget reflects a tough reality,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “TABOR’s rationing limit, the rising cost of Medicaid, and Trump’s cuts are crushing Colorado’s finances and families. We worked overtime this year to minimize the harm caused by these cuts. It’s not enough. That’s why Colorado voters will have the opportunity in November to solve these structural pressures and ensure all Coloradans have the opportunity to earn a good life.” “There is a bipartisan agreement that there are no easy places to cut more than a billion dollars from our state budget,” said JBC Member Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville . “Medicaid costs are rising far beyond what the state is allowed to spend under TABOR, and H.R. 1 created additional pressures on our budget. I’m incredibly proud that we were able to prevent Coloradans from being kicked off their healthcare coverage. This bipartisan budget required gut-wrenching cuts, yet we were able to protect core funding for K-12 education, health care and public safety.” “The Joint Budget Committee worked around the clock for months to finalize a budget that meets our constitutional requirements and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions in a very difficult budget year,” said JBC Member Sen. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Many of the cuts required this year were painful and will have a direct impact on people’s lives. We did not make these decisions lightly. Ultimately, we were able to deliver a bipartisan budget that protects core Medicaid services, lifesaving nutrition assistance, and funding for education.” The state’s $46.8 billion budget includes $17.4 billion in general fund expenditures, a net increase of just $212 million from last year’s budget, which does not nearly cover increased costs in key sectors, especially Medicaid, which increased by $468 million. Democrats took action to invest in Colorado kids and students in this budget. The General Fund contribution to K-12 education will increase significantly this year, thanks to the Kids Matter Fund created by Colorado Democrats last year, which is forecast to invest more than $216 million in our schools next year. Democrats also increased funding by $14 million to continue free preschool access for all Colorado kids and increased funding by $38 million to implement the voter-approved Proposition MM to preserve access to free school meals for students. This budget protects core health care benefits and does not reduce Medicaid enrollment, preventing many Coloradans from losing health insurance. It also protects the Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption with $200 million in funding. Three main factors contributed to Colorado’s budget deficit. First, H.R. 1 created enormous new tax cuts for the wealthiest corporations and slashed revenue for core state services. This required the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to cut $200 million more from the budget to protect the Senior and Veterans Homestead Exemption. It also created a larger hole to fill in FY 2026-2027 by dipping into the state’s reserve in FY 2025-2026. Finally, it turned off over $1 billion in tax credits for families, taking money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans. Second, TABOR limits how much Colorado can invest in government services each year, and there is a constitutional requirement to pass a balanced budget. When the costs of providing state services grow faster than the amount the state can spend each year under TABOR, cuts have to be made. Medicaid costs, prison caseload, and utilization of core services continue to grow substantially more than what the state can spend and what program experts previously forecast. Third, Medicaid costs are exploding year over year, far beyond what was forecast by nonpartisan legislative staff. Medicaid is growing at nearly nine percent per year, while TABOR constrains budget growth to about 3.2 percent for next year’s budget. Medicaid spending is increasing primarily due to inflation and higher costs for existing benefits, higher utilization of services, and higher provider rates, not new benefits or services. The largest growth has been in long-term care, prescription drug coverage, and pediatric behavioral health. To close the $1.2 billion budget deficit and deliver a balanced, bipartisan budget, lawmakers reduced health care spending, including a $270 million reduction in Medicaid reimbursement rates and some services. This is in addition to the $90 million lawmakers already cut from Medicaid earlier this year. Additionally, lawmakers reallocated $570 million that was previously invested in state programs or services, lowered the state’s reserve by $340 million, and made $150 million in cuts across smaller state departments. Lawmakers found additional savings in state employee compensation and held contractor rates flat to save $120 million, reduced health disparity grants and water quality programs by $4.5 million, and made $9.3 million in caseload-based reductions to the early intervention programs at the Department of Early Childhood. One of the more difficult cuts for the JBC was to limit reimbursements to family members who serve as caregivers of Medicaid recipients. At 56 hours per week starting in 2027, reimbursement for family members who serve as full-time caregivers in Colorado will remain one of the most generous in the country at roughly $80,000 annually per caregiver. Many states only reimburse up to 10 hours. Lawmakers also made a reduction to the Cover All Coloradans program, which provides health care to pregnant people and young children, by reducing benefits. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2019 GOV SIGNS CUTTER’S MEDIA LITERACY AND SLAPP BILLS Media Literacy bill will help invest in the next generation of Coloradans (Jun 3) – Today, two of Representative Lisa Cutter’s bills were signed in Conifer by Governor Polis. The bills create a media literacy advisory committee within the Department of Education to help Colorado students become more educated about the media and the role it plays in our society, and protect Coloradans against lawsuits intended to impede their free speech. “As a country, our decisions are only as good as the information we take in to form our opinions,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “The media landscape has changed dramatically in the last few decades. Colorado’s students are facing the largest and most complex information landscape in human history and it’s crucial that we provide educators with the tools necessary to help our youth better understand the world around them.” HB19-1110 creates a media literacy advisory committee within the state Department of Education that will work with a consultant to study media literacy, including best practices and available resources, and then report back with recommendations for the House and Senate Education Committees. Cutter hopes to sponsor legislation in the future using these recommendations to implement media literacy studies in elementary and secondary education. At a March hearing on the bill, the Associated Press and Colorado Press Association testified in support of this bill, among others. A recent academic study shows that 82 percent of middle school students could not distinguish the difference between real news stories and advertisements. Later, Gov. Polis signed HB19-1324, sponsored by Rep. Cutter and Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster related to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP). “These lawsuits are an abuse of our judicial system–to threaten people and instill fear in them,” said Rep. Cutter. “We should not be using the court systems against people, especially low-income people, who are simply exercising their right to speak up and this new law ensures that.” The bill establishes an expedited process for a court to follow in a lawsuit in which a person claims they were exercising their constitutional right to free speech or to petition the government. The bill also authorizes an award of attorney’s fees to defendants on this special motion to dismiss the lawsuit.. This new process will not only speed up the process but will also make sure that people exercising their free speech do not have to lose money defending their constitutional rights against these lawsuits. “Our legal system should not be used to frighten people away from the free exercise of their right to speak. This law protects free speech and makes sure that our legal system is not abused,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, an attorney by trade. Previous Next

Members met with transit officials, inspected projects aimed at improving safety and reducing emissions on Colorado’s roads < Back October 6, 2023 Interim Committee Tours Front Range & Western Slope Transportation Projects Members met with transit officials, inspected projects aimed at improving safety and reducing emissions on Colorado’s roads DENVER, CO – Members of the Transportation Legislation Review Committee (TLRC) recently toured sites across the Front Range and Western Slope to learn more about multiple projects underway to improve safety and reduce emissions on Colorado’s roads. “Strengthening our transportation infrastructure will make it quicker, safer, and cheaper for Coloradans to get to the places they want to go,” said Chair Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “From travel to the Denver airport to bussing around our mountain resort towns, we’re spending a couple days exploring all of the transportation options that Colorado has to offer to mark our progress and discuss future improvements that can save Coloradans money on transportation.” “Coloradans depend on a robust and functioning transportation system to get where they need to go, and the TLRC has been hard at work this interim on legislation to improve those systems,” TLRC member Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, said. “It’s critical for us to see the impacts of our work to improve Colorado’s roads up close and in-person, and I look forward to using what we learned these past two days to craft future initiatives to help Colorado’s transportation system reach its full potential.” "All Coloradans deserve to move around the state safely and conveniently, and we can accomplish that by making more transportation choices,” said TLRC member Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “Public transit is not only a great way to reduce carbon emissions, but it also creates more opportunities for every budget and every lifestyle. Our tour around Colorado is helping us improve our transportation infrastructure to make it easier and cheaper for people to get around.” On Thursday TLRC members embarked on the tour aboard a bus from the state’s new “Bustang” fleet, Colorado’s intercity public transportation system which is growing quickly with an infusion of state funds from SB22-180 , sponsored by TLRC Vice Chair Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield The tour began with an inspection of Denver International Airport facilities, including a tour of DIA’s ‘green fleet’. DIA is a recipient of Clean Fleet Enterprise grants, funded by SB21-260 , also sponsored by Winter, to support the adoption of electric vehicles. Following that, the committee went on an e-bike tour of Boulder, hosted by Bicycle Colorado. Recognizing that e-bikes are an important emerging mode of nonpolluting transportation, last session the state funded a long-term $500 state-wide tax credit for e-bike purchases through HB23-1272 which comes online April, 2024. Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, who rode an e-bike for the first time on the tour, said “These things are fast and smooth, I can see why they’re replacing car trips for so many people — now we just need to make our streets safer to ride them on.” Following the e-bike tour, members visited Via Mobility to see how Via’s accessible transportation services help Coloradans get around outside the home. Finally, members visited Idaho Springs to inspect multiple projects along the I-70 corridor. Today, members continued their tour with a visit to Colorado Department of Transportation improvements on Berthoud Pass and other improvements underway on U.S. Highway 40. The committee met with leaders in Winter Park and learned about the growing bus system and multimodal plans underway including a free public gondola and opportunities for expanding passenger rail connections to the front range. Finally, members concluded their trip with a tour of the Frisco Transit Center and Summit County Transit operations center, a tour of the Idaho Springs Mobility Hub, and by inspecting projects along I-70, including Floyd Hill construction, peak shoulder lanes, and mountain express lanes. Earlier this week, the TLRC advanced five interim bills to improve infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians , improve child passenger safety , crack down on predatory towing carriers , create a statewide transit pass and provide free transit for Colorado youth , and strengthen railroad safety standards . Previous Next

Policies would restrict grass turf in new developments, study green infrastructure feasibility, and legalize raw milk < Back November 1, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Water Resources Committee Advances Bills to Preserve Water Resources, Support Green Infrastructure Policies would restrict grass turf in new developments, study green infrastructure feasibility, and legalize raw milk DENVER, CO - The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to preserve water resources, build more efficient water systems, and ease restrictions on the sale of raw milk.Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water, with much of this being on non-native turf grass. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this new bill focuses on restricting its initial installation. Sponsored by Chair Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Vice Chair Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, Bill 6 would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting local governments and homeowners’ associations from installing or planting nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf on commercial, institutional, and industrial properties. Nonfunctional means areas like medians or parking lot perimeters which are seldom used; the policy makes no changes to the use of turf in functional areas like yards, sports fields and playgrounds. Additionally, the bill would impose the same restrictions on state facilities. “We have been hard at work this interim looking at ways to address Colorado’s water crisis and develop a number of solutions to conserve water and create more efficient systems,” said Roberts, sponsor of Bill 6. “Our new bill makes a simple change that will have major ripple effects. By restricting the installation of grass turf in new developments and nonfunctional areas, we can significantly cut down on nonessential water use and ensure we’re using our water as efficiently as possible.”“Water is our state’s most precious resource, and this legislation encourages conservation and natural landscapes,” said McLachlan, sponsor of Bill 6. “This bill would not allow local governments and HOAs to install new water-intensive lawns, artificial lawns or invasive plant species in nonfunctional areas, such as parking lots, to protect Colorado’s ecosystem and cut back on water usage. We must all do our part in addressing the water crisis and promoting more natural spaces that mitigate the impacts of climate change.”“Native landscapes are important for supporting Colorado’s ecosystem, which is teeming with plants, insects and animals,” said McCormick, sponsor of Bills 6 and 9. “This bill would prohibit local governments and HOAs from installing invasive species, turf and astroturf in nonfunctional areas which would help encourage water-wise landscaping. Together, we’re working to save Coloradans’ money, water and preserve natural landscapes. Another policy we passed today explores using green infrastructure for traditional wastewater systems, which could include anything from planting more native plants and trees to protecting our state’s wetlands. Green infrastructure is just one of many tools we have to improve wildfire mitigation, boost water quality and encourage natural cityscapes.” Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, Rep. McCormick, Sen. Simpson, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, Bill 9 would require the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in collaboration with the University of Colorado and Colorado State University, to study the feasibility of substituting green nature-based infrastructure for traditional centralized wastewater and drinking water treatment systems. The study would determine if green infrastructure, a planned and managed network of natural green spaces, is a feasible alternative for water providers, would attract new sources of environmental-focused funding for water quality compliance and for water infrastructure projects, and would create cost savings for CDPHE and local water providers.The study would be completed by December 31, 2025. After completing the study, CDPHE would establish at least one pilot program to demonstrate the use of green infrastructure as an alternative compliance program supported with environmental-focused funding. “Why use chemicals to treat wastewater if nature can do it just as well?” asked Bridges, sponsor of Bill 9. “Today’s bill will give water experts the resources they need to see if we can naturally improve water quality enough to keep our residents safe while cutting costs for our communities, especially our small rural towns.” The committee also advanced Bill 15 , sponsored by Roberts, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Sen. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, which would legalize the sale of raw cow or goat milk when it is sold directly to consumers at the point of production, the consumer’s residence, or at a farmer’s market or roadside market. To sell raw milk, a raw milk producer must be registered with the state and comply with handling, storage, labeling, and transportation requirements for the sale of raw milk issued through rulemaking. Raw milk producers may face a civil penalty or embargo for violations of the program’s requirements.The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. ### Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. < Back April 3, 2025 Bipartisan Martinez Bill to Support Wildlife and Property Owners Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. “The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program has been pivotal in helping property owners protect wildlife and outdoor recreation on their properties, and I’m proud to sponsor legislation to make the program permanent,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Colorado’s natural beauty is one of our biggest draws, and property owners want to do their part in protecting our environment. We’re helping rural Coloradans, like my district in Southern Colorado, be good stewards of their land and protect Colorado for future generations to enjoy.” The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program offers funding opportunities for landowners who want to protect wildlife habitats, provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public or sell their property to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The program, which is funded by hunting and fishing licenses, is currently set to sunset on July 1, 2027. SB25-049 would continue the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program indefinitely. With support from Great Outdoors Colorado and federal funding, the program has secured over 290,000 acres of conservation easements and over 146,000 acres of public access. SB25-049, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, passed by a vote of 13-0. The committee also passed SB25-176 , also sponsored by Rep. Matthew Martinez and Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, to extend the Commodity Handler and Farm Products Act until 2032 to continue the regulation of commodity and farm products. The bill would also increase the limit on the amount of farm products or commodities that a person could buy from $20,000 to $45,000 and allow the amount to be adjusted periodically. SB25-176 passed by a vote of 13-0. Previous Next

Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines < Back March 24, 2025 House Passes SB25-003 Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meg Froelich that would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition to save lives. “As gun violence continues to devastate communities across Colorado, Colorado Democrats are again taking action to prevent future tragedies,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “When semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines get into the wrong hands, it presents a major threat to the health and safety of our communities. With this legislation passing today, we’re taking another step to prevent senseless violence in our communities and save countless lives.” “This gun violence prevention legislation answers the call to action from our neighbors and will save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “We know that semi-automatic weapons become especially deadly when they are paired with high-capacity magazines, which is why Colorado Democrats passed a 2013 law to prohibit these high-capacity magazines. We’ve raised a generation on lock down drills and 1 in 15 people have experienced a mass shooting. We’re passing this bill today so we can save lives and prevent more Coloradans from having to go through the pain of losing a loved one to senseless gun violence.” Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-p-owered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. The bill would allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. The bill would not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines and almost all handguns. While SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill also would not impact the possession of currently-owned firearms. In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2021 JODEH CONTINUES EFFORTS TO ADVANCE HEALTH CARE EQUITY House gives preliminary approval to Reps. Jodeh’s bill to protect the lowest income Coloradans from predatory medical debt collection and help them obtain necessary emergency medical care DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Rep. Iman Jodeh’s bill to take several steps to help low income and uninsured Coloradans access the emergency health care they need. The bill passed on second reading. “No Coloradan should go bankrupt because of the cost of medical care,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “15 percent of all Coloradans and 1 in 4 Coloradans from communities of color are struggling with medical debt in collections, which can have devastating long-term impacts on the financial well-being of a family. We can’t accept the status quo of Black, Brown and low-income families being held back for generations because of crippling medical debt. We need affordable care and greater patient protections in the billing process now .” HB21-1198 makes several improvements to Colorado’s Hospital Financial Assistance Law to ensure hospitals screen patients for potential financial assistance through a variety of programs, make it more difficult for a patient to be sent to collection actions, and sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. The bill will crack down on predatory billing practices, help low-income Coloradans avoid crippling medical debt, and ensure all patients have access to information about their rights when accessing emergency care. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES REP. BIRD BILL TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SAVE ENERGY (Apr. 8) — The House Energy and Environment committee passed a bill that would make additional capital available for affordable housing and other public housing authority projects by allowing these projects to participate in the New Energy Improvements District’s (NEID) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. “This is an important bill that will greatly benefit many hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster. “By allowing housing authorities to participate in this program, we are reducing costs to develop affordable housing by 15 to 20 percent. This savings will benefit taxpayers and, importantly, can be passed on to tenants and significantly lower their living expenses.” HB19-1272 will expand access to Colorado’s C-PACE program to public housing authorities and affordable housing projects across the state, allowing these entities to have ready access to capital that can be used for energy and water efficiency projects on their properties. As a result, the overall operational costs of these properties will decrease and the savings will ultimately be passed on to Colorado’s most vulnerable including veterans and disabled individuals. The bill passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 8-2 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back August 3, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Pair of Laws to Help Support Rural Colorado to Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – A pair of laws aimed at supporting rural Colorado will go into effect on Monday, August 7. SB23-006, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, will foster economic development in rural communities by formally creating the Rural Opportunity Office (ROO) within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, SB23-006 will enable the ROO to serve as the central coordinator of rural economic development for the state, supporting communities transitioning away from coal-based economies, supporting programs and initiatives, and making recommendations to help inform economic development policy impacting rural communities. “Rural communities like those I represent are crucial to Colorado’s economy and character. To ensure we’re building a Colorado where everyone can thrive, we must be proactive in our work to support rural economic development,” Roberts, sponsor of SB23-006 and SB23-050 said. “By creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for our small towns in the Rural Opportunity Office and expanding eligibility for the Agricultural Future Loan Program, we’re giving rural Colorado and those who power our agriculture industry a leg up while providing the support and expertise to meet our rural economies’ unique needs.” “I am proud of our efforts to support local businesses and communities by creating good paying jobs Coloradans can count on,” said McLachlan, sponsor of SB23-006. “The continuation of the Rural Opportunity Office expands economic opportunities for Coloradans living in all four corners of the state. This is an important bipartisan step forward to uplift our rural economies, secure new investments in our communities and create good paying jobs across the state.” The Rural Opportunity Office began its work to boost rural economies through supportive development strategies in 2019. In the years since, the ROO has expanded services to assist Colorado’s Tribal Nations in their economic development through grant writing support, education campaigns, and technical assistance. SB23-050 , sponsored by Roberts and Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, provides key resources to farmers and ranchers to help grow their farms and ranches by expanding eligibility for the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program. “Colorado’s farmers and ranchers play a critical role in our economy, but sometimes entering into the field can be financially challenging,” said McCormick, sponsor of SB23-050. “The Agricultural Future Loan Program has helped ease financial burdens for those entering or expanding their farm or agricultural business in Colorado. We’re committed to making farming more accessible and diverse by expanding the number of Coloradans who can access these critical loans.” Initially created in 2021 by the legislature, the Agricultural Future Loan Program provides loans and grants to newer or underrepresented producers. The bipartisan SB23-050 , which is also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, makes the program permanent and expands eligible recipients to include new businesses not yet operating and also businesses developing or manufacturing technology designed to benefit Colorado farmers and ranchers. Previous Next

SB26-002 will improve access to energy assistance programs < Back June 3, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Signed! Legislation to Boost Utility Assistance DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Governor signed into law legislation to standardize and improve energy assistance programs to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, reliable energy. SB26-002 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, requires all investor-owned gas and electric utilities in Colorado to have a standardized framework for energy assistance programs known as Percentage of Income Payment Plans (PIPP). “No one should be spending an exorbitant amount of their income on utilities,” said Kipp. “Colorado families face difficult choices every month between rent, groceries, bills, and all the unexpected expenses life throws their way. This law is about ensuring that Coloradans who need energy assistance are able to access these programs in a simple, efficient way no matter what part of the state they live in or who provides their utilities.” “No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and going to the doctor,” said Willford. “By standardizing utility assistance, ratepayers can easily find and apply for these essential programs. We’re taking steps to make Colorado a more affordable place to call home, and this law streamlines energy assistance programs so those who qualify can receive it.” “Every Colorado family should be able to keep the lights on and keep their home safe and functioning without breaking the bank,” said Exum. “The purpose behind this law has never wavered – to bring down energy bills for families who need it. This law standardizes utility assistance programs, increases their visibility, and simplifies the application process so that more Coloradans can benefit.” “The application for energy assistance programs needs to be accessible, simple and standardized to save Coloradans time and money,” said Velasco. “Coloradans who qualify for energy assistance programs should be able to take advantage of these programs without unnecessary barriers. The demand for energy assistance programs hasn’t dropped, and our law makes necessary modifications to energy assistance programs to save Coloradans money on utility bills.” SB26-002 requires utilities to clearly post information about eligibility criteria and enrollment processes for the PIPP program on their websites and standardizes the name of PIPP programs across all investor-owned utilities to reduce confusion for customers. Under the new law, customers will be allowed to apply directly with their utility for the program, rather than having to first enroll in another assistance program. Utilities will determine an annual bill credit for the customer delivered either as an up-front annual credit or a monthly credit on their utility bill. To improve and expedite the application experience, utilities must inform applicants within 30 days whether they have been approved or denied for PIPP and the reason why. The programs will be under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission, to which utilities must submit an annual report about their PIPP program. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. < Back June 2, 2023 SIGNED! Pair of Bills to Bolster Early Childhood Education DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. Sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representatives Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-269 funds one-time bonus payments for early childhood care providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK). The bonuses must be used to implement the Universal Preschool Program, or to maintain or expand infant and toddler care capacity. “Access to quality early childhood education not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes for Colorado kids, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” Buckner said. “These one-time bonuses are a much deserved thank you to the early childhood care providers working to get Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program up and running. I look forward to watching UPK benefit Colorado’s youth this fall and for generations to come.” “Colorado’s universal preschool program is on the horizon, and we’re expressing our gratitude to the providers that will make it possible,” said Lukens. “This bipartisan law will help recruit more providers and will send preschool providers a bonus to help them renovate spaces, purchase new educational materials, and support their staff. Colorado couldn’t implement high-quality, free universal preschool without providers, and this law gives them a well-deserved thank you.” Providers may receive an additional bonus payment if they maintain or increase their capacity to serve infants and toddlers between April 1, 2022 and April 1, 2024, or are in low-capacity preschool areas. The bipartisan bill invests $2.5 million in the Colorado Universal Preschool Program Provider Participation Bonus Program, housed within the Department of Early Childhood . HB23-1290 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, refers a measure to the November 2023 ballot asking voters to allow the state to keep the excess revenue collected on tobacco and other tobacco products to fund UPK in Colorado. If approved by voters, the measure would allow the state to direct the nearly $24 million in excess revenue to support Colorado’s early childhood learners, instead of refunding that amount to the tobacco industry. "Preschool programs play a vital role in Colorado's communities by laying a strong foundation for children and providing essential child care services for working parents," Moreno said. "This bill presents an opportunity for voters to redirect much-needed funds towards Colorado's early education system, instead of returning them to tobacco distributors and wholesalers. With the potential to infuse nearly $24 million into preschool programs, HB23-1290 represents a wise investment in the future of our children and our state." “Overwhelming support for statewide universal preschool is no surprise, because it will create educational opportunities for our youngest learners, save families money, and help parents get back to work,” said McCluskie. “Universal preschool is one of the smartest investments we can make as a state, and I’m proud Coloradans agree. The revenue collected from the tax on nicotine products has come in higher than originally predicted, and this legislation confirms voters’ commitment to using these funds to provide preschool to all four-year-olds in the state.” “In 2020, voters overwhelmingly supported taxing tobacco and nicotine products to fund Colorado’s transformational Universal Preschool Program and boost learning opportunities for our youngest Coloradans,” said Fields. “This bill gives voters the chance to build on that progress and utilize existing funding to support even more families seeking preschool programs.” “Universal preschool will be here in just a few months, and the funds collected from the voter-approved Proposition EE made it possible for the state to provide free, early childhood education to our youngest learners,” said Sirota. “Studies show that preschool and early childhood education prepare kids for a lifetime of educational success. This legislation reaffirms Coloradans’ commitment to our families by asking them if the state may keep revenue collected from the special tax on nicotine and direct it toward UPK, rather than returning it to the tobacco industry.” In 2020 Colorado voters approved Proposition EE , which created new excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine products to fund a number of priorities, including UPK. The new tax rates are designed to phase in over the next few fiscal years through 2027. When originally approved by voters, it was estimated that Proposition EE would raise $186.5 million in new tax revenue in its first year. Actual revenue from the new tobacco taxes exceeded the predicted amount by nearly $24 million. Previous Next

< Back May 24, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITIES SB22-148 will invest $5 million to build or renovate a behavioral health facility to provide behavioral health services DURANGO, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation that will increase access to behavioral health care by investing $5 million to support the development of a behavioral health facility and better meet the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s land based Tribes. SB22-148 , sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, is part of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis using $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds secured in the American Rescue Plan Act. “The Tribes are our partners and neighbors, and this is a long overdue investment in behavioral health,” Donovan said. “Everyone deserves mental health support in their communities, and this facility will support the Tribes’ efforts and help ensure that more Coloradans can access the critical care they need to thrive.” “Using once-in-a-generation federal funding, we are prioritizing the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s land-based Tribes who often experience disproportionately higher rates of mental health distress without access to the proper resources,” said McLachlan. “This $5 million investment of federal funds will go directly toward the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for the purpose of creating or revamping a behavioral health facility to improve mental health outcomes and save Coloradans money on behavioral health care.” To further Colorado Tribes’ ability to provide culturally responsive behavioral health care in specialized facilities, this new law will provide a one-time $5 million grant to Colorado land-based Tribes to build or renovate a Tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing. SB22-148 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . Previous Next